No abstract

A controlled randomized trial was conducted in 40 infants (6-18 months old) with persistent diarrhoea (greater than 2 weeks' duration) to evaluate the effect of oral zinc supplementation. After completion of rehydration, 20 infants in group A received oral zinc sulphate (20 mg elemental zinc twice daily) and an equal number in group B were given a placebo (glucose). Each child was given oral nalidixic acid and a similar milk-free feeding schedule. Both the groups were comparable with respect to various initial characteristics including nutrition, diarrhoeal disease, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum and rectal mucosal zinc content. During therapy, all the assessed parameters of zinc status (serum alkaline phosphatase and serum and rectal zinc) recorded significant elevation and reduction in groups A and B, respectively. At recovery, the zinc status of group A was significantly higher than that of group B. The diarrhoeal duration and frequency in the zinc-supplemented group were lower but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.078 and p = 0.076, respectively). Weight gain in both groups was comparable. It is concluded that in persistent diarrhoea there is depletion of zinc with the progression of disease and oral zinc administration can improve the zinc status. The possible anti-diarrhoeal effect of zinc, however, merits further study.

Background:This study was done to assess the determinants of morbidity pattern, quality of life (QoL) and awareness of elderly about various government schemes and social security legislations.Materials and Methods:Data was collected by house to house survey among participants aged 60 years and above using a structured interview schedule. The QoL was assessed using Kannada version of WHOQOL-BREF instrument following language validation.Results:Mean age of 206 participants was 69.6±6.7 years. Half of them were males and majority were graduates 54 (26.2%). Morbidity was present among 194 (94.2%) participants (95% CI 89.5–98.9%), most common being hypertension 96 (46.6%). Morbid conditions were seen more among less educated (P = 0.007). Only 68 (33%) were under medical insurance coverage, 17 (8.3%) were under old age government pension and 74 (35.9%) were under retirement pension scheme. Social relationships, psychological health and environmental domain scores were associated with socio-economic status. Social relationship domain score was significantly better among well educated participants and those without morbidities. Level of ambulation was significantly associated with QoL scores in all domains (P < 0.001). Majority of the participants 132 (64.1%) had moderate level of awareness about government facilities for senior citizens. Awareness level was significantly better among males (P < 0.001), well educated (P < 0.001), better socio-economic status respondents (P < 0.001) and those currently working (P = 0.026).Conclusion:Health status of elderly needs improvement which would also improve their QoL. Awareness about various government schemes needs to be enhanced to improve its utilization. The results of this study are expected to help policy makers in planning comprehensive services for elderly residing in this area.

Zinner syndrome is a rare developmental anomaly of the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct which is characterised by a triad of obstruction of the ejaculatory duct, the ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst, and the ipsilateral renal agenesis. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the importance of radiological imaging in diagnosing the condition and to report its rare unusual variant.